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Tunisia

A stone's throw from Italy, Tunisia is a North African country with Mediterranean sensibilities. From the sun-drenched beaches of the north to the unforgiving desert of the south, and with desolate, lunar landscapes in between, there is nowhere quite like Tunisia. With multifaceted, modern cities speckled with reminders of an ancient past, villages steeped in mysticism, medieval towns of tangled laneways and archaeological ruins to rival Rome, travelling through Tunisia is like slowly unravelling a tapestry from another time.

Best time to visit Tunisia

Tunisia boasts a Mediterranean climate in the north and an arid, desert-like climate in the south. Tunisia typically receives most of its visitors in July and August, when the hot weather draws tourists to the beaches. The coldest and wettest months are January and February, although the rainfall average for this time is low and many interior Saharan regions of Tunisia do not see rainfall for years. March to May is a great time to travel as it is less crowded, the temperatures are cooler and the scenery is spectacular. November is considered the optimal time for trekking in the desert. Travelling during the holy month of Ramadan presents benefits and challenges as many restaurants close and business hours can be interrupted, although travelling during Ramadan often provides rare insight into a country and culture during this holy period.

Geography and environment

Sandwiched in between Libya and Algeria, Tunisia benefits from its location on the Mediterranean Coast. The south is characterised by arid plains and desert, which gives way to rolling hills and fertile areas prime for cultivation in the north. With a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia possesses many white sand beaches, popular with swimmers, surfers and scuba divers. Tunisia's largest city, Tunis, is largely modern in design with the exception of the Old Medina located in the heart of the city.

Top Picks

Top 5 Essential Experiences of Tunisia

1. Desert Dunes

The imposing, mysterious Sahara has captivated travellers for centuries. Heading into the desert is a must-do - whether on 4x4 or camel, you'll fall in love with the silence, the stars and the sandy dunes of desolation. There is nowhere on earth quite like the Sahara.

2. Hot Hamam

Like many other countries in the region, the age-old tradition of visiting a hamam for a steam and scrub is still alive and well. Tourists and locals alike can be seen indulging in this invigorating custom, popular with people of all ages and sexes. Don't leave Tunisia without experiencing it.

3. Magnificent Mosques

As a Muslim country, Tunisia is home to many fine examples of Islamic architecture, including a plethora of spectacular mosques. While the interiors are not open to non-Muslims, the exteriors are worthy of admiration. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is regarded as North Africa's holiest Islamic site, while the Zaytouna Mosque is one of Tunis's biggest attractions, be sure not to miss their brilliant beauty.

4. Roman Ruins

Tunisia is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins outside of Italy. From the statues, baths and mosaics of Carthage through the show-stopping amphitheatre of El Jem and to the lesser known, yet equally impressive, ruins of Dougga, Tunisia's archaeological sites are absolutely astounding.

5. Medina Markets

Tunisia's delightful medinas are not only a place of community and trade but also a link to the past, with many being built centuries ago. Sitting in a medina's coffeehouse and watching the world go by is a great tourist favourite, and the markets (souqs) are one of the best ways to get acquainted with local customs, language and traditions. Peruse handmade crafts and haggle for a memento (or two) to bring something uniquely Tunisian home.

FAQs on Tunisia

TUNISIA (NORTH AFRICAN DISCOVERY):
Australia: Yes - on arrival
Belgium: No - not required
Canada: No - not required
Germany: No - not required
Ireland: No - not required
Netherlands: No - not required
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - on arrival
Switzerland: No - not required
United Kingdom: No - not required
USA: No - not required

At the time of writing all Western European countries, Americans, Canadians, Irish and Japanese can get a free 3 month visa at the Libyan/Tunisian border crossing of Ras El-Jedir. Australians can also get a 3 month visa at this border without any trouble but must pay a fee of $6 US. New Zealand citizens are required to apply for a visa before arriving into the country as visas aren't available at the border. They should check with their Tunisian embassy to ascertain the most recent requirements.

Please note that it won't be possible to enter Tunisia with Israeli stamps in your passport.

Tipping is expected by most service workers in Tunisia. Drivers, waiters, porters and other hotel staff will generally expect a small tip for serving you at a restaurant, showing you to your room or carrying your bags. Set aside some dinars for this to avoid offence.

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Tunisia, especially in large cities. Coverage may not be available in more remote areas, especially if travelling through the desert. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Tunisia.

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Tunisia. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in some tourist areas.

Exercise caution when drinking water in Tunisia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available.

Major credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and shops in the cities and areas frequented by tourists, but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors, in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option in Tunisia.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: [site:intrepid_insurance_link]

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/tunisia/public-holidays

Health and Safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From US?

From UK?

The World Health Organisation

Responsible Travel

Tunisia Travel Tips

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Top responsible travel tips for Tunisia

1. Be considerate of Tunisia’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.

2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.

9. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.

10. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.

11. Ramadan is the fasting month for all Muslims. During this month no food, drink or smoking is permitted during daylight hours. While non-Muslims visiting Tunisia aren't expected to fast, it's recommended to try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.